Gold Geese, a small, local charity supporting families facing childhood cancer, is encouraging the community to learn the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer and help spread the word.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and around 1,900 children in the UK are diagnosed with cancer each year. Gold Geese operates across mid and south Essex and this year, they have been raising awareness of childhood cancer from as far as Maldon to Brentwood and Chelmsford to Southend. To raise awareness, local businesses and schools are encouraged to display Gold Geese signs and symptoms posters and, in some cases, go big with their gold decorations (gold is the ribbon colour for childhood cancer awareness).
Gold Geese has organised a bumper number of events this month to help raise awareness and funds for its support:
On Saturday, September 5, a special convoy of more than 100 gold and yellow cars toured the streets of Leigh-on-Sea, Chalkwell and Southend to raise awareness of childhood cancer
The charity has also collaborated with Leigh-on-Sea Brewery to develop a special Gold Geese beer, with 10% of every purchase going directly to the charity. A number of Gold dads took part in making the first brew and attended the launch party this weekend. The beer will be available to buy at several local venues across mid and south Essex.
Leigh Marina will turn gold during Leigh Regatta on September 12 and 13, with a family fun day raising funds for Gold Geese
On Wednesday, September 16, CEO Katie will embark on a solo eight-day fundraising trek across the width of Essex, in remembrance of the Gold children who have passed away. Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/page/katie-walks-essex
Katie is hosting a ‘signs and symptoms Zoom training’ event for parents, teachers, nursery managers and medical professionals
On September 26, Legra Tap are hosting a closing party, with music from singer Eleanor Hudson and Tony Jefford from the band Jackie Wilson Says. Tickets are available at Legra Tap X Gold Geese Party tickets
Katie Southgate, CEO and founder of Gold Geese, said: “We’d love to see as many people as possible join our events this month. If you’d like to support our campaign at school or work, you could wear yellow or gold for the day, hold a bake sale or put up one of our posters.
“Just like geese stick together on their epic journeys, we’re showing our Gold families that the whole community supports them and we fly together.”
Free symptom awareness posters are available to collect from Metro Bank in Southend and Chelmsford, or email fundraising@goldgeese.org to arrange collection.
In September the Greater Essex Research Community of Practice is hosting Emma Funnell, the Chief Officer for Citizens Advice Tendring, who will deliver a session about service evaluation together with colleagues from University College London and Essex County Council.
Emma will explain how she has worked in collaboration with Essex County Council and University College London to create an evaluation that has helped deliver real insight on a mental health recovery programme.
The session will cover:
How developing a theory of change helped add value to communicating the value of the programme and the monitoring work.
How this led to Emma working with Dr Rachel Benchekroun from University College London to do a piece of realist evaluation, which has revealed further insights from conversations with programme staff and programme participants.
And how colleagues are looking to communicate the findings to appeal to a range of audiences – by linking
The evaluation findings into wider theories about social networks, social infrastructure and recovery journeys.
And inviting members of the voluntary and community sector into a follow-up informal workshop to discuss insights and lessons learned on supporting people back into work.
This webinar will be relevant to anyone in the VCSE sector with an interest in evaluation, mental health recovery and supporting people back into work.
Please email mike.williams@essex.gov.uk for an invite.
The Robin Cancer Trust and InColchester BID are inviting local businesses to join them at an upcoming September event, featuring a relaxed afternoon of mini-golf, food, drinks and networking in support of life-saving cancer awareness.
Taking place on 10th September 2026 from 4pm to 8pm at Putt in the Park in Colchester, the Putt & Connect event will bring together local businesses for an informal social, designed to help teams connect, build relationships and support an important cause.
Open to any business or organisation, the event offers an alternative approach to traditional networking, with no presentations, formal introductions or golf experience required. Attendees can enjoy a round of mini-golf, refreshments and the opportunity to meet other local business owners, teams and potential partners in a relaxed setting.
The event has been created by The Robin Cancer Trust and InColchester BID to
highlight the important role businesses can play in supporting their local communities, while raising awareness of testicular, ovarian and germ cell cancers and the charity’s work to educate and save lives.
The Putt & Connect event is open to individuals and teams of four, making it suitable for businesses looking for a summer team social, as well as those wanting to expand their local network.
Attendees will receive:
● A round of mini-golf at Putt in the Park
● A burger and drink included in the ticket price
● The chance to meet and connect with fellow local businesses
● An opportunity to support cancer awareness in the community
Tickets cost £25 per person and businesses can register as a team of four or attend individually.
Toby Freeman, founder and CEO of The Robin Cancer Trust said: “We’re delighted to bring local businesses together for Putt & Connect. It’s a great opportunity for people to meet others in the local business community while helping us continue to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer and the importance of early action.”
Vincent Geaves, BID Manager, InColchester BID said: “Putt & Connect is exactly the kind of event we love to support at InColchester BID. It brings people together, showcases a fantastic city centre venue, and creates valuable opportunities for local businesses to network in a relaxed and enjoyable environment. We’re particularly proud to be partnering with The Robin Cancer Trust, helping to raise awareness of their important work while encouraging connections across Colchester’s business community.”
The event takes place at Putt in the Park, Ryegate St Peters Street, Lower Castle Park, Colchester CO1 1HL, on Thursday 10th September 2026, 4pm–8pm.
The Robin Cancer Trust is inviting people across Essex to pull on their brightest pants and take part in its much-loved Pants to Cancer Walk, returning to Clacton-on-Sea on Sunday 20th September 2026.
Now in its sixth year, the charity event encourages participants to wear their underwear over their clothes while proudly shouting “Pants to Cancer!” as they walk together to raise vital awareness and funds for people affected by testicular, ovarian and germ cell cancers.
The family-friendly event follows a 7-mile route from Clacton Pier to Walton Pier, with the option to complete the full 14-mile round trip for those looking for an extra challenge. Participants are encouraged to wear colourful pants, knickers, boxers or even bloomers over their outfits, creating a fun and eye-catching spectacle along the Essex seafront.
Entry costs £12 for adults and £6 for under-18s, with every participant receiving a medal. The walk is suitable for wheelchair users and well-behaved dogs on leads are also welcome.
Toby Freeman, Founder and CEO of The Robin Cancer Trust, said: “We’re so excited to bring the Pants to Cancer walk back for its sixth year. Last year’s event welcomed more than 100 participants, making it our biggest walk yet, and it was fantastic to see so many people getting
behind our mission in such a fun and memorable way.”
“Whether you’re walking in superhero pants, colourful boxers or giant novelty bloomers, every step helps us raise awareness of cancers that are often diagnosed too late. We can’t wait to see more people joining us this September to help save lives.”
This year’s walk is being sponsored by East Coast 5 and the Daniel Connal Partnership, but the charity is currently inviting more local businesses to sponsor the event or attend with their staff.
Participants are encouraged to fundraise, with every pound helping The Robin Cancer Trust continue its life-saving work through awareness campaigns, educational talks in schools, colleges and workplaces, and support services for people and families affected by testicular, ovarian and germ cell cancers. A £10 donation helps the charity reach thousands of young people through its digital awareness campaigns, £25 provides a Thriver Support Pack to someone recently diagnosed and £50 enables the charity to deliver a life-saving cancer awareness talk.
Mind in West Essex have added several new dates for their online Suicide Awareness workshops. The sessions are free for anyone who lives in Harlow, Uttlesford or Epping Forest (or £30 for people outside of West Essex).
This 2.5-hour workshop aims to give you the knowledge and confidence to have supportive conversations with people who are feeling suicidal, so they can access the help they need.
It covers everything from the law, language, statistics and stigma around suicide to risk factors, possible warning signs, having supportive conversations and available support and resources.
This Carers Week, let’s recognise and celebrate the incredible contribution unpaid carers make every day across Essex and the UK.
Carers Week is an annual campaign dedicated to raising awareness of caring, recognising the challenges unpaid carers face, and helping people access the support, services, and community connections available to them.
The Essex Map is a free community directory designed to help people find local support services, wellbeing activities, advice organisations, community groups, and carers’ support across Essex.
Whether you’re:
💙 An unpaid carer looking for support or local services ☕ Searching for community groups, advice sessions, or wellbeing activities 🤝 Wanting to connect with others who understand caring responsibilities 📍 Looking for local organisations offering support for carers and families 🏡 Or part of a service supporting carers in your community
…the Essex Map can help people find the support they need.
Are you an organisation supporting carers?
From advice services and respite support to wellbeing groups, community activities, and information sessions — you can add your service or organisation to the map for free and help carers across Essex connect with local support.
This World Environment Day, let’s celebrate the people, groups, and organisations across Essex who are helping to protect the environment, support greener communities, and encourage sustainable living.
The Essex Map is a free community directory that helps people discover local services, activities, charities, and support groups — including environmental projects, community gardens, recycling initiatives, outdoor wellbeing groups, conservation organisations, and sustainability-focused activities across Essex.
Whether you’re:
🌿 Looking for local environmental groups or volunteering opportunities ♻️ Wanting to get involved in sustainability projects 🌎 Searching for community gardening or conservation activities 🤝 Hoping to connect with like-minded people in your area 🏡 Or part of an organisation supporting environmental wellbeing and greener living
…the Essex Map can help you find and share local opportunities.
Are you an organisation supporting environmental or community sustainability projects?
Add your service, group, or activity to the map for free and help more people across Essex discover ways to get involved this World Environment Day and beyond.
Volunteers make an incredible difference to communities across Essex every day. Whether you’re looking to give back, develop new skills, meet people, or support a cause you care about, there’s a volunteering opportunity waiting for you.
Looking to volunteer?
Visit The Essex Map at www.essexmap.co.uk to discover local volunteering opportunities and find a role that suits your interests, availability, and skills.
Recruiting volunteers?
If you’re a charity, community group, social enterprise, or voluntary organisation, make sure your opportunities are listed on Essex MAP so that potential volunteers can find you.
Need extra help finding volunteers?
Members can also submit volunteer requests to the Essex Alliance weekly newsletter, reaching organisations, partners, and individuals across the county. Simply email communications@essexalliance.org.uk with details of your opportunity.
This Volunteers’ Week, let’s celebrate the people who give their time to strengthen our communities and encourage even more Essex residents to get involved.
Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: Events, News
June is Great Outdoors Month — the perfect time to get outside, get active, and discover the amazing outdoor spaces, activities, and community groups across Essex.
The Essex Map helps people find local opportunities to improve wellbeing, connect with others, and enjoy the outdoors. From walking groups and community gardens to outdoor fitness, family activities, nature projects, and wellbeing services, the map makes it easier to discover what’s happening near you.
Whether you’re:
🚶 Looking for local walking or cycling groups 🌳 Searching for outdoor wellbeing activities 🌼 Wanting to connect with nature and your community 👨👩👧 Looking for family-friendly outdoor activities 🤝 Or part of an organisation offering outdoor services or events
…the Essex Map can help you connect with local opportunities.
Do you run an outdoor group, activity, or community service?
Add your organisation or event to the map for free and help more people across Essex discover ways to enjoy the outdoors and support their wellbeing.
This Pride Month, let’s celebrate visibility, connection, and community by highlighting the amazing LGBTQ+ organisations, support groups, and inclusive services across Essex.
The Essex Map is a free community directory designed to help people find local support, activities, wellbeing services, charities, and community groups all in one place. It includes dedicated LGBTQ+ listings featuring organisations such as The OutHouse, Basildon Pride, MindOut, LGBTQ+ youth groups, and more.
Whether you’re:
🏳️🌈 Looking for support 🏳️⚧️ Searching for inclusive local services 💬 Wanting to connect with community groups 🤝 Or promoting an organisation that supports LGBTQ+ people
…the Essex Map is here to help.
Are you an organisation supporting the LGBTQ+ community?
You can add your service or group to the map for free, helping more people across Essex discover the support, spaces, and communities available to them.
